Avi Dichter
Photo: Ronny Sofer
Dichter: Bombings scarier than rockets
In interview to Ynet, former Shin Bet head says rockets not as big a threat to Israel as suicide bombings, adds Palestinian terror not a strategic threat; next disengagement will be civilian, not military, Dichter adds
The Qassam rockets fired at the southern town of Ashkelon represent a less substantial threat to Israel than suicide bombings, former Shin Bet head and Kadima's candidate for Defense Minister Avi Dichter claimed in interview to Ynet.
"With all due respect to the artillery attacks at Ashkelon, and their moral and physical affect on the residents… most terror casualties are the result of suicide bombings," Dichter, who is himself a resident of the southern town, said.
Qassam Terror
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Palestinians fire five Qassams at Israel, one rocket lands in strategic area near Ashkelon
"The Shin Bet and IDF's capacity to act has not been undermined by Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. We can still do the same things we did before," he stated.
Although Dichter is in no way indifferent to the Qassam threat, which until today claimed the lives of eight people, he said it is dwarfed by the suicide terror that has killed hundreds of Israelis so far.
'Palestinians aim to smuggle heavy arms'
According to Dichter, the Israeli defense establishment is well informed of the Palestinians' military capabilities.
"They apparently have anti-aircraft shoulder missiles, although in small quantity, as well as Katyushas and light weapons… the only artillery arms that currently pose a threat to Israel are the Qassams," he said.
Dichter at Ashkelon's marina (Photo: Ronny Sofer)
"However, I believe it is just a matter of time before they manage to smuggle into Gaza heavier equipment… it's simply their interest. They are building up Gaza as the capital of their capabilities, when their dream is to connect it to the terror attack arena they wish to create in the West Bank. Israel must stop this from happening."
If the Palestinian efforts to obtain long-range arms are only a matter of time, and if they have the ambition to hurt us – what good did the disengagement do?
"Today we have improved capabilities to create deterrence in Gaza, even compared to what we had in Lebanon. Hamas has turned into the landlord in Gaza, and any infrastructure we may hit in response to Qassam attacks is under its responsibility."
"Secondly, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority do not enjoy Egypt's support, unlike Hizbullah that is backed by Syria. Thirdly, their ability to become stronger in terms of weapons is limited. They have enough manpower, but limited means."
When asked to comment on a recent remark by current Shin Bet Head Yuval Diskin, who said Hamas may become "a strategic threat to Israel," Dichter said he disagrees with this estimate.
"A strategic threat, unlike an existential threat, is the ability to paralyze day-to-day activity. I disagree with those who believe terror is a strategic threat. The Palestinian terror does not constitute a threat."
Dichter also referred to the possibility of further pullouts in the West Bank in coming years, and said that a "civilian disengagement" from Judea and Samaria will lower the security risk to Israel.
"However, we will maintain a military presence there as long as there is need to fight terror… and until we have a Palestinian partner to prevent terror."
"Israel's security hold in the area of Judea and Samaria will remain the same, or even stronger, even in the case of a civilian withdrawal," he concluded.
